Spain turns down Moroccan solar exports

A 150 MW concentrating solar power plant in Morocco that exports power to the European electricity market would be the first real project for Desertec Industrial Initiative, a consortium in which several major energy companies are members.

But Spain’s representatives withdrew from the meeting where they, together with Germany, Italy, Malta, Luxembourg, France and Morocco were to sign a contract to enable the project. The difficult economic situation in Spain is believed to be the main reason for their hesitation to participate. Spain is an essential party to the project as the transfer line is planned to go through the country.

The prospects for large-scale Moroccan solar power in the near future have not been totally ditched since other potential investors, including the World Bank, have shown interest. Desertec Industrial Initiative’s vision is solar and wind power plants in North Africa and the Middle East, connected to a super grid with the ability to supply Europe with electricity. As much as 15 per cent of European electricity demand could be covered by 2050 according to the consortium.